Management of allergic rhinitis with Sabadilla

Dr Ashna Chawla

Abstract
Allergic Rhinitis is a disorder in which there is nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge and sneezing. Homoeopathy shows great results in the case of Allergic Rhinitis. A 22-year-old female Presented with symptoms of spasmodic sneezing. The totality of the symptoms was taken and after repertorisation, Sabadilla was prescribed.

Keywords: Allergic Rhinitis, Sneezing, Nasal congestion, Homoeopathy

Introduction
This is a disorder which is presented with episodes of nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge and sneezing. It may be presented as seasonal or perennial. And can be due to an immediate hypersensitivity reaction in the nasal mucosa. ¹

There are 2 types of allergic rhinitis:

• Seasonal Type: The seasonal antigens can include pollens from various sources such as grasses, flowers, weeds, or trees. Grass in mainly responsible for hay fever which is the most common type of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. This is mostly aggravated during harvest season.¹
• Perennial Type: It is mostly specific reaction to the antigen derived from house dust, fungal spores or animal dander. Also, similar symptoms can be derived from physical or chemical irritants e.g. pungent odours from fumes, perfumes, cold air or dry atmosphere. ¹

Few of these symptoms might be present during Allergic Rhinitis:

1. Sneezing
2. Nasal obstruction
3. Watering and smarting in the eyes
4. Profuse Watery discharge from nose
5. Conjunctival irritation
6. Lethargy
7. Headache

There are many homoeopathic medicines which are efficient in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. These include – Allium Cepa, Sabadilla, Wyethia, Arundo , Natrum Muriaticum etc. Medicine should be prescribed on the basis of proper individualisation and repertorisation.

Case report

Chief complaint : A 22 year old female presented with complaints of frequent sneezing and lachrymation after being exposed to strong smelling flowers since 2 days.

History of present complaint: The patient was apparently well when she developed symptoms of paroxysmal sneezing with lachrymation after smelling flowers.

Modalities: Aggravation – draft of cold air, perfumes, flowers

Amelioration – Nothing significant

Analysis and evaluation of symptoms

Mental general: worried about her disease as it was recurrent mostly during harvest season or when she is around flowers,

Physical general:

1. Appetite- Increased
2. Thirst- unquenchable

Particulars

1. Nose – Inflammation
2. Nose – Sneezing – cold air aggravation
3. Nose – Sneezing – paroxysmal
4. Nose – Sneezing – flowers
5. Nose – Sneezing – perfumes
6. Eye  – Lachrymation
7. Eye  – Sneezing – aggravation

Totality of symptoms:

1. Nose – Inflammation
2. Nose – air, aggravation, cold
3. Nose – Sneezing – sudden, paroxysmal
4. Nose – Sneezing – odours from flowers
5. Nose – Sneezing –aggravation, strong odours
6. Eye – Lachrymation
7. Eye – Sneezing – aggravation
8. Appetite – Increased
9. Thirst – unquenchable

Repertory used– Synergy Software 2021 (Complete Repertory)

Repertorial Result
Sabd 25/9
Nyx-v 24/6
Phos : 21/6
Nat-mr : 20/6

Prescription: Sabadilla 200

Selection of medicine and potency: After repertorisation and consulting with Materia Sabadilla 200 was selected.

The dose was selected according to the susceptibility of the patient which remains high during an acute disease as mentioned in Organon of Medicine, 5^th edition. ²

Selection of potency and repetition: As per Organon of Medicine, Aphorism 245- 251, 5th edition in acute diseases the medicine can be repeated in every 24, 12, 8 and 4 or even more frequently as per the need of the case. So , the patient was advised Sabadilla 200, four times a day . ²

Follow up:

Time	Condition	Prescription
After 12 hours	The intensity of sneezing reduced a little. No change in lachrymation or other physical generals.	Sabadilla was given 4 times a day (QID)
After 1 day	There was significant change in sneezing. The lachrymation was also reduced.	Repeat , QID
After 2 days	Patient was 90% better.	Placebo was given TDS.

Sabadilla- an overview ³ :

• Sabadilla Acts mostly on the mucous membranes of the nose and lachrymal gland
• It Presents symptoms like hay fever
• Chilliness with sensitivity to cold has been observed
• There is Over sensitiveness to odours
• The Eyelids seems red and burning with lachrymation
• Presented with spasmodic sneezing with running nose
• Nasal discharge is found to be copious and watery
• Amelioration of throat pain by warm food and drinks
• Throat painful mostly during empty swallowing

Conclusion:  Hence it can be concluded that homoeopathy has great scope in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The case should be treated with proper repertorization and individualisation. In this case Sabadilla helped the patient. Every case should be taken as a new one and should be treated accordingly.

References

1. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine , page no. 622, 23^rd Edition : Elsevier
2. Dudgeon R. E, Organon of Medicine, 5^thedition: Indian Books and Periodicals Publishers, 2012.
3. William Boericke, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and repertory , 2007 edition : B. Jain Publishers(P) LTD.

Dr Ashna Chawla
PG Scholar, Repertory
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana